Review urged after another huge N. Lantau traffic jam

A Legco member has called for an urgent review of Lantau and west Hong Kong roads and traffic after partial closure of Lantau Link caused a massive jam yesterday.

Vehicles were banked up along the highway and as far as Tsuen Wan and Kwai Ching after central lanes on the Lantau Link bridges were closed yesterday afternoon following the issue of a strong monsoon warning.

Under the measures introduced, only the express lanes and slow lanes were opened to vehicles on the Tsing Ma, Kap Shui Mun and Ting Kau bridges, and the speed limit was reduced to 50 kmh. Some vehicles were diverted to the lower decks of the bridge.

The congestion continued well into yesterday evening, sparking a call from New Territories West member Alice Mak for a review of traffic arrangements, Apple Daily reported.

She said the Transport Bureau could no longer avoid dealing with the problem. She said the bureau needed to examine all aspects of Lantau Link and west New Territories traffic arrangements, including toll collection and the possible need for further road arteries.